A host of big-name top flight stars are out of contract at the end of the season and Goal.com gives you the top five bargains who will be snapped up for absolutely nothing

ANALYSISBy Ed Aarons

With the dust already settling on the magnificent 2011-12 Premier League season, it is time to say goodbye to some familiar faces and look forward to the arrival of some new blood.

But while most of the headlines this summer will be made by the latest multi-million pound superstar to be ushered through the gates at the Etihad Stadium, there is every chance there is a free transfer out there who could even emulate the exploits of Newcastle United striker Demba Ba - snapped up by Alan Pardew for absolutely nothing last year.

Most clubs have already released the list of players who are surplus to requirements for next season, with Martin O'Neill's Sunderland and QPR boss Mark Hughes among those managers preparing to indulge in a spot of major rebuilding.

Now, Goal.com takes you through the top five free transfers available at a ground near you this summer and the rest of those players who will be looking for new employment at the start of July.5.

5. NIGEL REO-COKER

The former West Ham and Aston Villa midfielder invoked a relegation release clause in his contract after just failing to save Bolton from the drop despite some heroic performances.

Owen Coyle's loss will certainly be someone else's gain, however, with several managers likely to attempt to lure the former England Under-21 captain this summer. Still only 27, Reo-Coker has forged a reputation as a no-nonsense enforcer and his battling qualities are already rumoured to be interesting his former club, with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce thought to be weighing up an approach.

The south Londoner has also attracted interest from Spanish side Sevilla in the past and with his chances of a senior England call-up now diminished despite almost making the 2006 World Cup squad, do not be surprised if he bucks the trend and heads for pastures new.

4. MICHAEL OWEN

As England's fifth most prolific goalscorer of all time, the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle United player certainly looks a bargain on paper after being released by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The trouble is that these days Owen is more likely to pass on a killer tip for the horses than find the back of the net, although there are still likely to be plenty of suitors for the 32-year-old. Stoke are the early front-runners to take a risk on a player who has made just over 30 appearances in three years at Old Trafford, although Everton boss David Moyes might fancy his chances of resurrecting Owen's career.

A career total 149 Premier League goals is certainly not to be sniffed at but with injuries having taken a severe toll on his body over the years, it may just be one gamble too far for most.

3. SALOMON KALOU

The Ivorian came in from the cold at Stamford Bridge to play an integral part in Chelsea's historic Champions League triumph, yet Kalou is still likely to be on his way this summer.

Having arrived at Stamford Bridge from Feyenoord in 2006, the forward has been used sparingly by most of his managers in west London despite his decent goalscoring record. Roberto Di Matteo brought him back into the team at the start of his reign and Kalou showed exactly why a whole host of top clubs will be in the hunt for his signature.

The promise of a regular starting berth for a player who has won every major honour in England at the age of just 26 will be the major priority, with Arsene Wenger thought to be lining up a swoop.

2. JUNIOR HOILETT

The Canadian-born forward has made no secret of his desire to jump the sinking Blackburn Rovers ship for some time now and his patience should pay off this summer with a move to a major outfit.

A slight dip in form towards the end of the season as Steve Kean's side slid through the Premier League trapdoor has not stopped German giants Bayern Munich from reportedly expressing an interest, although it seems more likely that Hoilett will stay in England. His return of seven Premier League goals for Blackburn showed that the 21-year-old has developed into a potent attacking threat who can be used as a winger or in a more central role.

That - and the lack of a transfer fee - may prove an attractive proposition to Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp as he bids to compete for the top four once again next season.

1. DIDIER DROGBA

After a century of goals and his heroics in Munich, Drogba rounded off his season with a reminder of why the Blues will miss him so badly - slotting home the winning penalty in the Champions League final.

As things stand the talismanic striker will be on his way this summer after eight years' loyal service, with Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua apparently the front-runners to sign him. Drogba's pledge not to join another Premier League club may have been sincere, yet the 34-year-old will surely be a target for several of the Blues' main rivals - especially one willing to match the riches on offer in the Far East.

Sentimentality will probably be the deciding factor in the end, although a call from his old friend Jose Mourinho offering a swansong in Madrid could tempt the old warhorse to stay in Europe a while longer.

Here is Goal.com's comprehensive guide to all the players who are out of contract this summer: